Multi-Fluid Printhead Driver Circuit Using Gating Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printheads require multiple driver circuits to control the jetting of multiple print fluids, leading to increased electronics complexity and space usage.
Innovation Solution
A single driver circuit is configured to control multiple print fluids by receiving a drive waveform with distinct jetting pulses and gating signals for each fluid, allowing selective application of pulses based on print data to manage the jetting of different fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple driver circuits are implemented to control multiple print fluids, then each print fluid can be controlled independently, but the electronics complexity and space usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single driver circuit is designed to control multiple print fluids by receiving separate drive waveforms for each fluid and using gating signals to selectively apply the appropriate waveform to the actuator based on which print fluid should be jetted. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate driver circuits for each print fluid, reducing electronics complexity while maintaining independent control capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple driver circuits are implemented to control multiple print fluids, then each print fluid can be controlled independently, but the space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The driver circuit is designed as a universal control unit that can handle multiple print fluids through software or logic control rather than requiring separate hardware circuits for each fluid. This consolidation significantly reduces the space required in the printhead while maintaining the ability to independently control each print fluid's jetting.
3Device complexity
If a single driver circuit controls multiple print fluids, then electronics complexity is reduced, but the driver circuit must process multiple drive waveforms and gating signals
Solution Approach 1:
Gating signals serve as intermediaries between the control system and the drive waveforms. The gating signals selectively enable or disable the application of specific drive waveforms to the actuator based on which print fluid should be jetted. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the driver circuit's operation by providing a clear control interface for managing multiple drive waveforms without requiring complex processing logic.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces the need for extensive electronics in printheads, enabling efficient control of multiple print fluids while minimizing complexity and space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
Each nozzle is part of a 'jetting channel', which includes the nozzle, a pressure chamber, and a diaphragm that vibrates in response to an actuator, such as a piezoelectric actuator
Data Source
AI summary
Printheads and methods of operation. In one embodiment, a printhead includes a plurality of jetting channels comprising first jetting channels configured to jet a first print fluid and second jetting channels configured to jet a second print fluid, and a driver circuit communicatively coupled to actuators of the jetting channels. The driver circuit receives a drive waveform comprising first jetting pulses provisioned for the first print fluid and second jetting pulses provisioned for the second print fluid, and gating signals comprising a first active gating signal designated for jetting the first print fluid and a second active gating signal designated for jetting the second print fluid. The driver circuit selectively applies the first jetting pulses to actuators of the first jetting channels based on the first active gating signal, and selectively applies the second jetting pulses to actuators of the second jetting channels based on the second active gating signal.